Bruce F. Kalfell, age 86, of Terry passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at the Prairie Community Hospital and Nursing Home with his wife of 66 years, Merry and son Lance by his side.
Bruce was born in Miles City on October 7, 1933 to Gladys (Ross) and George “Gub” Kalfell. Bruce, an only child, grew up during the Great Depression, World War II and an economic crisis at the family ranch. He survived all of them with a great sense of humor that will be remembered forever by his family.
On June 21, 1953 he married Merry Rogge. Some 60 years later he said, “I married one of the best women in the world.” In July of 1954 they started their family of 5 boys. In 1964 his parents retired from the family owned and operated ranch. Bruce and Merry then moved their family out to the ranch. In 1976, Bruce and Merry purchased the Chevrolet garage in Terry and moved back into Terry. In 1983, Bruce and Merry bought the David Hess ranch which bordered the Kalfell Ranch. They moved back to the ranch owning and operating it until retiring in 2005.
Over the years and throughout his life, Bruce wore many hats including ranch work, cutting posts, working wells, selling insurance and bulk oil. In other words, turning his hand to whatever work he could find. He also belonged to many boards and clubs. Some of which include Terry School Board, Airport Board, Range Riders, Masons, Jaycees, Terry Chamber of Commerce, Miles City Club and also co-directed the Prairie County Centennial Celebration. Bruce also loved music and dancing. He sang many songs to his grandchildren some of which were made up.
Bruce is survived by his wife Merry and children, Randy (Renee), daughter-in-law Toni, Lance (Lisa), Brent (Becci) and Clint. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, son Kevin and great grandson Manny.
Due to the Coronavirus restrictions, Bruce was privately laid to rest on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Prairie Community Hospital and Nursing Home activities department would be appreciated.
The family would like to give special thanks to the providers and staff at Prairie Community Hospital and Nursing Home for their compassionate and excellent care of Bruce.
Service Schedule
Private Services
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Bruce's service to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Bruce would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
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Service Schedule
Private Services
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Bruce's service to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Bruce would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
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Delores Cameron says
Dear Kalfells,
What a time to pass away and Bruce’s friends will say good bye in privacy. My sympathy to you folks, we had many fun times at Zero.
Jack and Caroline Fleming says
Clint and family
Our condolences on the loss of your dad.
Jack and Caroline Fleming
Carolyn Kimball says
To all the Kalfell families,
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts of comfort during this difficult time.
Dean Ashley says
Lance and all the Kalfells
Sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean And Sue Ashley
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Pam Rogge says
Dear Kalfell family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. May you find comfort and peace in memories of special times.
Cathy & Gary Kalmback says
Merry & Family,
It is so ironic that Bruce & Dad were roommates for the past year or so, and pass away to their eternal rest on the same day. Our thoughts & prayers are for comfort during this time!
Jim and Katy Schmitz says
RIP Bruce and our sincere condolences to Merry and the rest of the family. Bruce and Merri were our next door neighbors when they lived in Miles City.
Ruth Peck says
Dear Kalfell Family;
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. May God bless and comfort your family.
Jim Lindstrom says
Merry and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Hold your memories and family close.
David & Diedree says
Our thoughts and prayers for all your families. We had many fun times together in our Zero community throughout the years. Your dad was a good neighbor with quite a sense of humor. I can still hear his laugh.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Merry and all the Kalfell Families, We send our condolences. We pray for your comfort and peace as you remember better times.
Jody Rogge O'Leary says
Merry and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He will leave a large empty place in this world. I always felt Bruce was so like my dad – friendly, warm, kind, always likable, and with a great sense of humor. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Del Linda Frost says
To all of Bruce’s family, i am truly sorry to hear kf hi passing. Bruce was a one of a kind, his sense of humor, smile and teasing are several of my very fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love Del Linda
Delite Dukart says
Bruce and my dad loved to dance and sing with the “Country Guitars” especially “Kalijah”. They also were quite the teasers. I just heard about the two of them being in for a Terry Yippee and after much teasing decided they should run the race in their cowboy boots. Several hours later at 10:00pm when the curfew horn blew, they started out running again. So many laughs and stories to be told about the good ole days at Zero.
Mark Browning says
To Merry, Lance and family,
So sorry to hear news of the passing of Bruce.
Kathryn West says
So very sorry for your loss.
Kathy (Hinnaland) West
Larry French says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have some of my best memories of my life was combining on the ranch for Bruce. What great fun I had with all those boys running around. Bruce was always a pleasure to work for and what a great family.
Larry French
Lynn Anderson says
On behalf of my dad, Arnold, I wish to express our sincere condolences to Bruce’s family. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Nora Haughian says
To the Kalfell families-
I am so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Both Merry and Bruce were so nice to us kids “from across the river”. Take care and be safe…
Nora Haughian
Jane Huber says
My deepest sympathy for your loss! Your family’s are in my thoughts and prayers! Cherish your memories!
Jean Trask Brown says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BRUCE. I WISH WE COULD ALL GATHER TO TALK ABOUT THE GOOD TIMES I’LL BET HE IS HAPPY TO BE FREE, AND DANCING WITH THE ANGELS.
Kelly Rogerson says
My sympathy to Merry and the Kalfell family.
Bradley O. Carlson says
Brent and family. Sorry to hear about your dad’s passing.
Stan Pehl says
To the Kalfell’s, I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your father, I remember him fondly. Carol and I will remember you in our prayers.
Rob Shipley says
Gub and Gladys were best friends with Dad when Bruce was born and Ship was a deputy sheriff in Terry. Dad and Edith Pehl married, and then they moved to Billings so Ship could learn to fly. After the war Ship and Mary enjoyed Gub and Gladys running their Hereford cows until they bought our first of three ranches on Tongue River in December, 1955. Keith Lockie bought Gub’s and Gladys’s 1959 red Chevy El Camino when they traded it in when he and I were in MCC. I bought in 2007, a completely worn out diesel 1985 Chevrolet that Bruce and Merry drove when they owned Prairie Motors in the 80’s……..just because…………it had been theirs. Of more than 60 outfits I have owned since high school it pleased me about the best………..because it had been owned and driven by one of the truly most wonderful families who ever lived.
All my love,
Rob Shipley